Platelet-Rich-Plasma FAQ
What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?
PRP is a concentration of platelets, growth factors and cellular signaling factors that play a significant role in the biology of healing. PRP also contains plasma proteins and proteases that work in a variety of ways to promote healing and prevent tissue degeneration. A therapeutic dose delivers over 1 billion platelets per mL of treatment, which is at least a 6-8 fold increase in platelet concentration compared to whole blood.
How is PRP Therapy performed?
A blood sample from the patient is put into a centrifuge, which separates the blood into its many components, concentrating the platelets. These are then mixed with a small amount of plasma and delivered via injection to the injured area. Ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance is used to ensure precise placement. The procedure is usually complete within an hour, and most people return to normal activity a few days after the injection.
Does PRP Therapy hurt?
A local anesthetic is used during the injection, however patients can have some tightness or discomfort for a few days at the site of injection following the procedure.
Is PRP Therapy safe?
Yes. Because PRP is prepared from your own blood there is no risk of rejection or disease transmission and virtually no risk for infection.
How well does PRP Therapy work?
Numerous clinical studies have shown significant healing and long-lasting reduction in pain for a variety of injuries, including tendon and ligament damage, sports injuries, joint pain and arthritis. Clinical results are proving PRP to be an effective, natural alternative to steroid injections, which temporarily relieve pain but do not help heal the cause. PRP may eliminate the need for more aggressive treatments such as long-term medication or surgery.
Are all PRP concentrating devices and PRP treatments created equally?
No. There are multiple PRP concentrating devices available, with varying processes and performance that lead to variability in clinical outcomes.
A good quality PRP treatment must provide:
– A dose of over 1 billion platelets/mL (therapeutic dose)
– A high dose of growth factors released at injury site
– A high platelet yield (recovery of over 80% of platelets in blood)
– Removal of most red and white blood cells for a pure treatment
Delo Sports Medicine & Interventional Orthopedics uses the EmCyte PRP system, which delivers all of the above characteristics for a clinically significant outcome.
How often should I repeat Platelet Rich Plasma procedures?
Considerable to complete relief and healing is often achieved from the first PRP injection. In some cases, especially chronic conditions, additional PRP injections may be necessary. Dr. Delo waits at least 6-8 weeks to evaluate healing prior to determining if another treatment could be advantageous.
What are the expected results of PRP Therapy?
Both ultrasound and MRI images have shown definitive tissue repair after PRP therapy, confirming the healing process. This can greatly reduce the need for surgery as it can treat the tissue before damage progresses and becomes irreversible. PRP therapy doesn’t provide immediate relief; instead, it sets in motion a repair mechanism that heals the tissue. A study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine shared the following results in patients with elbow tendonitis:
– 46% pain relief by week 4
– 60% pain relief by week 8
– 81% pain relief by 6 months
At the completion of the study, 93% of the patients were completely satisfied with the results of the PRP treatment and avoided surgery.
If a patient’s own blood cells are not healthy or proliferative enough to trigger a healing response, amniotic injections can provide an alternative. Amniotic injections don’t contain stem cells. Instead, they are a concentrated injection comprised of purified growth factors and cytokines (signaling molecules) from a healthy newborn’s amniotic membrane. These amniotic injections can be injected into an injured site in the same manner as PRP.
